2020 Ram 1500 12 volt outlet

128 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
If your vehicle is equipped with “Smart Fold”, the entire
center section of the 40/20/40 seat folds forward for access
of cupholders and console storage.Rear Armrest Cupholder With Smart FoldElectrical Power Outlets
The auxiliary 12 Volt (13 Amp) power outlet can provide
power for in-cab accessories designed for use with the
standard “cigar lighter” plug. The 12 Volt power outlets
and 5 Volt (2.5 Amp) USB Port (Charge Only) have a cap
attached to the outlet indicating “12V DC,” together with
either a key symbol, battery symbol, or USB symbol.
A key symbol indicates that the ignition must be in the ON/
RUN or ACC positions for the outlet to provide power. The
battery symbol indicates that the outlet is connected to the
battery, and can provide power at all times.
CAUTION!

• Do not exceed the maximum power of 160 Watts (13 Amps) at 12 Volts. If the 160 Watts (13 Amps) power rating is
exceeded, the fuse protecting the system will need to be
replaced.

• Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs only. Do not insert any other object in the power outlets as this
will damage the outlet and blow the fuse. Improper use
of the power outlet can cause damage not covered by
your New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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130 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
When the vehicle is turned off, be sure to unplug any equip-
ment as to not drain the battery of the vehicle. All accessories
connected to the outlet(s) should be removed or turned off
when the vehicle is not in use to protect the battery against
discharge.
WARNING!
To avoid serious injury or death:
• Only devices designed for use in this type of outlet should be inserted into any 12 Volt outlet.
• Do not touch with wet hands.
• Close the lid when not in use and while driving the vehicle.
• If this outlet is mishandled, it may cause an electric shock and failure.
CAUTION!
• Many accessories that can be plugged in draw power from the vehicle's battery, even when not in use (i.e.,
cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long
enough, the vehicle's battery will discharge sufficiently
to degrade battery life and/or prevent the engine from
starting.
• Accessories that draw higher power (i.e., coolers, vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.), will discharge the battery
even more quickly. Only use these intermittently and
with greater caution.
• After the use of high power draw accessories, or long periods of the vehicle not being started (with accesso -
ries still plugged in), the vehicle must be driven a suffi -
cient length of time to allow the generator to recharge
the vehicle's battery.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 131
Power Inverter — If Equipped
If equipped, a 115 Volt (400 Watts Maximum) inverter may
be located inside the center console towards the right hand
side, just under the Wireless Charging Pad (if equipped).
This inverter can power cellular phones, electronics and
other low power devices requiring power up to 400 Watts.
Certain high-end video game consoles exceed this power
limit, as will most power tools.Center Console Power Inverter Outlet There is also a second 115 Volt (400 Watts Maximum) power
inverter located on the rear of the center console. This
inverter can power cellular phones, electronics and other low
power devices requiring power up to 400 Watts. Certain
high-end video game consoles exceed this power limit, as
will most power tools.
All power inverters are designed with built-in overload
protection. If the power rating of 400 Watts is exceeded, the
power inverter shuts down. Once the electrical device has
been removed from the outlet the inverter should reset.
Rear Center Console Power Inverter Outlet
2
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132 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE:
400 Watts is the maximum for the inverter, not each outlet. If
three outlets are in use, 400 Watts is shared amongst the
devices plugged in.
If equipped, a 115 Volt (400 Watts Maximum) inverter may
be located inside the ram box of your vehicle. The inverter
can be turned on by the Instrument Panel Power Inverter
switch located to the left of the steering wheel. The RamBox
inverter can power cellular phones, electronics and other low
power devices requiring power up to 400 Watts. Certain
high-end video game consoles exceed this power limit, as
will most power tools.
The Instrument Panel Power Inverter switch is only found on
vehicles equipped with a RamBox. The switch only controls
on/off operation of the power outlet in the RamBox; it does
not control on/off operation of the power outlets located
inside the cabin of the vehicle.Ram Box Power Inverter
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 133
Instrument Panel Power Inverter Switch
If equipped with a front bench seat, there may be a 115 Volt
(400 Watts Maximum) inverter located to the right of the
center stack, just below the climate controls. This inverter can
power cellular phones, electronics and other low power
devices requiring power up to 400 Watts. Certain high-end
video game consoles exceed this power limit, as will most
power tools. Center Stack Power Inverter
To turn on the power outlet, simply plug in the device. The
outlet turns off when the device is unplugged.
NOTE:
• The Center Stack Power Inverter is only available on vehi -
cles equipped with a front bench seat.
• The Power Inverter only turns on if the ignition is in the ACC or ON/RUN position.
• Due to built-in overload protection, the power inverter shuts down if the power rating is exceeded.
2
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 177
NOTE:
• The charging system is independent from load reduction.The charging system performs a diagnostic on the
charging system continuously.
• If the Battery Charge Warning Light is on it may indicate a problem with the charging system. Refer to “Battery
Charge Warning Light” in “Getting To Know Your Instru -
ment Panel” for further information.
The electrical loads that may be switched off (if equipped),
and vehicle functions which can be affected by load reduc -
tion:
• Heated Seats / Vented Seats / Heated Wheel
• Rear Defroster And Heated Mirrors
• HVAC System
• 115 Volts AC Power Inverter System
• Audio and Telematics System
Loss of the battery charge may indicate one or more of the
following conditions:
• The charging system cannot deliver enough electrical power to the vehicle system because the electrical loads are
larger than the capability of charging system. The charging
system is still functioning properly. • Turning on all possible vehicle electrical loads (e.g. HVAC
to max settings, exterior and interior lights, overloaded
power outlets +12 Volts, 115V AC, USB ports) during
certain driving conditions (city driving, towing, frequent
stopping).
• Installing options like additional lights, upfitter electrical accessories, audio systems, alarms and similar devices.
• Unusual driving cycles (short trips separated by long parking periods).
• The vehicle was parked for an extended period of time (weeks, months).
• The battery was recently replaced and was not charged completely.
• The battery was discharged by an electrical load left on when the vehicle was parked.
• The battery w as used for an extended period with t he engine not running to supply radio, lights, chargers,
+12 Volt portable appliances like vacuum cleaners,
gam e consoles and similar devices.
3
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178 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
What to do when an electrical load reduction action
message is present (“Battery Saver On” or “Battery Saver
Mode”)
During a trip:
• Reduce power to unnecessary loads if possible:• Turn off redundant lights (interior or exterior).

• Check what may be plugged in to power outlets +12 Volts,115V AC, USB ports.

• Check HVAC settings (blower, temperature).
• Check the audio settings (volume).
After a trip:
• Check if any aftermarket equipment was installed (addi -
tional lights, upfitter electrical accessories, audio systems,
alarms) and review specifications if any (load and Ignition
Off Draw currents).
• Evaluate the latest driving cycles (distance, driving time and parking time).
• The vehicle should have service performed if the message is still present during consecutive trips and the evaluation
of the vehicle and driving pattern did not help to identify
the cause.WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
The warning/indicator lights will illuminate in the instru-
ment panel together with a dedicated message and/or
acoustic signal when applicable. These indications are indic -
ative and precautionary and as such must not be considered
as exhaustive and/or alternative to the information
contained in the Owner’s Manual, which you are advised to
read carefully in all cases. Always refer to the information in
this chapter in the event of a failure indication. All active tell -
tales will display first if applicable. The system check menu
may appear different based upon equipment options and
current vehicle status. Some telltales are optional and may
not appear.
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296 STARTING AND OPERATING
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the ignition
button/key is released. If this occurs, continue cranking with
the accelerator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release
the accelerator pedal and the ignition button/key once the
engine is running smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after a 10 second
period of engine cranking with the accelerator pedal held to
the floor, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal
Starting” procedure.
Cold Weather Operation (Below –22°F Or −30°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
After Starting
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a stan-
dard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded,
three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on the
passenger side of the vehicle near the right head lamp
assembly. It is located between the front grill and the radi -
ator, but underneath the black upper seal.
• If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from a booster battery or
the battery in another vehicle. This type of start can be
dangerous if done improperly. Refer to “Jump Starting
Procedure” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further
information.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the engine
for more than 10 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds
before trying again.
WARNING! (Continued)
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord
before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical
cord could cause electrocution.
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